CITY winger Charles Vernam has admitted the upheaval over the last week is part and parcel of the job, but he sees a positive future for both Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars and the nine released players.

Vernam, who only joined City in January, knows his form has been patchy, and he confessed that the wait for a new manager brings both a sense of trepidation and excitement.

He said: “There is that initial excitement because it’s a new chance to impress and an opportunity to start afresh.

“But it’s always in anyone’s mind that doubt that you’re not the right player and he might have others he wants in your position.

“That’s natural in any line of work though, so it’s important to keep an open and positive mind.

“Ultimately you’re at the club for a reason, they’ve seen something from you before, so there’s no reason the new manager won’t have the same ideas about you.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone. It’s disappointing that Mark and Conor lost their jobs, but you have to put that in the past now.

“Us contracted players need to look forward and try and progress the club and leave it in the best possible state.”

Speaking more in-depth about Trueman and Sellars, Vernam said: “It’s difficult and it’s never nice to see someone lose their job.

“Even if some players don’t see eye to eye with their manager, you understand that they’ve given a lot of time and effort.

“And Mark and Conor were great with me. They gave me a chance, kept me in and around the team, and I was grateful for that opportunity.

“I hope in future they’ll kick on, as their knowledge of the game is excellent for such young managers.”

Asked if it is difficult to cope with nine colleagues departing in one go too, Vernam said: “They’re your team-mates, and you do form bonds and friendships with them, but it’s part and parcel of the job.

“They’re all good enough to find new clubs and hopefully we can cross paths again soon.”

He also had some interesting things to say about the 'network' that exists in the Football League: 

Summing up a strange season and his desperation to see fans return, Vernam said: “You’re training with that silence all week and you’re building up to stepping out on the pitch in front of fans on the Saturday, so it’s been very difficult as you miss that atmosphere.

“They’re a real driving force, and anyone that goes to Valley Parade realises it’s a difficult place to come.

“It’s a tough atmosphere but it can work both ways, as other teams can see it as a cup final.

“I know when I came here with Grimsby a couple of years ago it felt like our biggest game of the season, just because of the fanbase here.

“That has to be a driving force for us and we’re hoping that when they can get back in, we can give them performances to make them excited and be happy to be back watching us.”